Thursday, April 30, 2009

I have really never liked the idea of supermodels. I despise the idea of making women feel they have to be 95 pounds and blond to be worthy of attention. I was never that small and will never be that small. God has given me the greatest child-bearing hips I could ever have asked for thus making me Non model material. For this I am most grateful. I was never brave enough to try either. Anyway I digress. Off the supermodel soap box now.

Well, OK so I know the title says I liked them today. Here's why.

Last week while we were enjoying our wonderful mini vacation to VA Beach I took a few snapshots of Zero. Here is what I see as a mini supermodel. I would never submit her to the kind of scrutiny that is required to be a child model but I do believe she is beautiful enough to be on the cover of Sports illustrated Kids. I'm biased because I am her mother but hey, I'm allowed. Take a look and see for yourself. My gorgeous shining star and amazing light in my life. Thanks to the Lord for giving or shall I say, sharing this super smart, quiet and honest being to me. Well here you go the pictures that make me smile and cry those warm happy tears.

Monday, April 27, 2009

I know you missed me didn't you. Yeah, yeah, yeah!!! I have been the busiest little star you have ever seen. So last week on Tuesday my wonderful hubby came home late afternoon from his 30 day long business trip. The very same night his parents flew into town for a visit. Zeus, my darling husband had planned to quick getaway vacation for all of us the very next day, Wednesday. He knew he would need a break when he returned from overseas. So the few days prior to everyone getting here I was frantically purchasing, packing and planning for our 3 day vacation and party. Once everyone got in, it was just pure chaos. And I don't say this lightly. The kids had not seen their dad in a month and it had been almost a year since they had seen their grandparents. You can just imagine the joy on their faces and all the words they felt they needed to express, not including the joy I needed to express too. We were all looking forward to getting away, especially me since I had been playing supermom the past 4 1/2 weeks. I was ready to share the duties and responsibilities for a change. Not that I don't enjoy my babies and being their mother but sometimes you just want to lean on someone else and not have to schedule it. You get my drift.

We got loaded and the guys decided to change the oil in both cars which turned out to be a huge fiasco. Dad spilled the oil on the driveway, not just a little, he spilled gallons. YUCK!!! That was a little set back because it had to be cleaned up and scrubbed before we left. This put us an hour or so back. In the meantime the weather decided it wanted to play games too. Deciding to pour down every time we tried to load. Once we got on the road we had to go downtown D.C. and get the beautiful babies from school. I was driving one car with Mom and Zeus was in the other car with Dad. My car just happens to start smoking and overheating just as we got into the downtown area. Oh boy, this is a bad omen or something. I am completely irritated and ready to throw my hands up and say, I'm done. We figure out oil was spilled on the engine block and that the engine coolant was very low. Great!!! I had to find a gas station in downtown and buy some coolant. Oh yeah, this added another good hour to the trip as well once we got the concentrated coolant mixed. Ewww we!!! We finally got on the road and were headed to Virginia Beach in the pouring down rain. We had a great trip down and the kids were thrilled to see our log cabin. It was totally fantastic. It was everyones' first time to stay in a real log cabin. OH what a fabulous experience. Oh, did I mention you can hear everything with those paper thin walls. Every single footstep and all things accomplished in the bathroom. Oh boy, good thing we were all family. We took the kids to the beach on Thursday and flew kites and built sand castles and a couple of them got in the water. The water was ice cold but the sun was brightly shining and it was quite warm outside. After a great day we took the kids and parents back to eat dinner at the cabin while Zeus and I took a short 2 hour date to walk the boardwalk and do a little shopping on the waterfront. It really was nice to walk hand in hand together after being apart so long. I enjoyed being out and about with him without keeping up with the kids or having to entertain the parents. You forget how important it is to do these simple things together to reestablish that connection.

Then on Friday we took all the family to the Yorktown battle fields and museum. It was really impressive to see where we as a nation have come and the unique events that came about that created our United States. We walked around for a while and the kids spotted a real Submarine out in the water off the coast. That was really something to see. We knew there was a amphibious base nearby so that just added to our delight of the day. Once we were finished there we headed up to the Williamsburg Busch gardens. The weather was absolutely spectacular. We could not have asked for a better day. We rode tons of rides. The 2 dads rode all the roller coasters at the park, they even got Zulu and Omega to ride a roller coaster. That was their first adult roller coaster. I was definitely the proud mama handing out high fives as they ran down the exit ramp. The day was perfect. We all got to ride the rides we wanted. We never waited in line longer than 10 minutes and we made it around the entire park. All in all the fun we had was just what we needed. It was more than a quick vacation, it was a reconnection, jump out of normal life. It was a fabulous getaway. I was very thankful Zeus convinced me to go and that it would be fun. The very next day we got back we had a busy Saturday planned with little league baseball pictures with both Zeus and my teams. Then we had to get ready for the surprise selection party for Zeus. He had no idea and let me tell you it was not easy getting him to leave the house for more than an hour. He managed to help Dad take the kids to the sand park and play a game of hoops. Once he managed to get back he was totally stunned to see everyone eagerly waiting to wish him congratulations on his selection to OTS. We had a blast. I must tell you my friends are just awesome. They all managed to come and take time out of their schedule to wish Zeus congratulations. It was completely wonderful to have so much support. I love you guys. Thanks so much. So that brings us to Sunday. I slept in while Nana made pancakes for the babies. Zero wanted so badly to take the Grandparents to the famous Ben's Chili Bowl here in D.C. So we all loaded vehicles and off we went. Zero was so proud that she could share this landmark and famous restaurant with her family. She was all smiles. It really was special to her and I am glad we could make those memories for her. We made it back home and just laid back for the rest of the evening. Zeus and Dad got in a couple of games of tennis too. Then this morning Nana and Grandpa had to get back on an airplane and head back to Washington State. Zeus had the day off today so we tried to get caught up on laundry and run a few errands. We had a wonderful visit with the Grandparents and a great return with Zeus. Sweet Zeus even brought me a Caramel apple spice from Starbucks today after his trip to the airport. We had t-ball practice tonight for an hour and then went straight to my volleyball game.

Now things are right back to normal. Zeus is back to work tomorrow and I am back to mothering and doing the daily chores. Oh how fabulous our lives are here in the Haskins House.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Last week a new friend of mine and I went out for the afternoon since she was on Spring break and I was craving Olive Garden Soup and Salad for lunch. She drove since she was very familiar with the area. I guess I could've but thought, heck I will let her drive so I can tend to Ziggy who almost always needs help with something. We get to Olive Garden and were having a great time. Ziggy decided that he wanted Spaghetti. I asked are you sure you want spaghetti?, he says " I said yes Mommy." Oops, my bad for asking him twice. Mercy me, I might have to teach my 3 year old a little patience. The salad was awesome. I ate so much because I left my belly empty all day so that I could eat myself to oblivion. And that I did. Good thing I did not have tight pants on or I would have had to release a button or two. The bread sticks were oh, so warm and oh, oh good. I had minestrone soup which was fabulous. I ate at least 3 platefuls of salad and laughed so hard at Ziggy trying to eat his spaghetti. He made a huge mess of himself. Friend tried to show him how to spin the fork and roll up the noodles. He looked perplexed but tried it. Yeah, he failed terribly and then gave up and went back to holding the fork 2 feet in the air above his head slurping it into his mouth. It was so stinking cute. I am really going to miss this stage. As he grows up I get more and more attached to him. I do not want my "baby" to grow up.

After lunch we needed to run a few errands like the dollar store, pet store and someplace else that I have forgotten now. Nevertheless, there was lots of people out and about because for 1. it was a beautiful day and for 2. it was spring break. Finding a parking spot is never easy in D.C. or surrounding areas. We see this person pull out and we get up closer to pull in and to our amazement the person in front of us pulled out of a Shopping cart return. No seriously, we pulled right in shortly there after, right into the shopping cart return. I knew none of you would believe me when I shared this bit of information so I took pictures with my phone. I was laughing so hard while Friend was parking. Oh heavens, the things you do in D.C that would never happen anywhere else. Enjoy this pictures, we ended up having a fabulous day together and making a memory that will never fade.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Today I decided that I would get out of the house and run by Walmart to look at the flowers and pick up a few other household items. Ziggy and I were enjoying ourselves browsing through the store taking our time just moseying along. I get back to the kids clothes at the back of the store to see if there is anything I just can't live without and there is an employee mopping the floor.

He looks at me and then decides to say "ma'am you child can not be standing in the cart."

I looked back and said "oh Really"

He said : "ma'am I'm serious it is a Walmart rule."

me "Huh"

Him:"ma'am you need to take him out of the cart." "I'm going to have to take the cart away ma'am.

Me: walking closer and looking away I put my hand up and said "Do not talk to me, I do not want to hear it."

Cue the random mother

She says "wow, I didn't know there was Walmart police." in the loudest voice

I can not even begin to tell you how furious I was at this uneducated, sloppy looking employee. I am a mother and know what is best for my child. Do not even try to tell me how to parent my child. If he is in the buggy he is not pulling down any of your nicely folded shirts, he is not running amok, he is controlled in his own little environment. I was really controlling my anger. I do not in the least bit like anyone to tell me how to parent my child, especially since he is my 4th child. Give me a break. I have a suggestion to ALL Walmart employees that want to direct anyone about parenting while on duty, "you want to keep your job I suggest you keep your mouth mum" Not all parents are bad. I will not sue you for my son falling out of the cart. I am in control of him standing beside him the whole time. Back the heck up!!! He is not going to fall out if that is your worry. I have got to tell you bloggie folks, I was so very angry. I do not think I will be going back to said Walmart ever again. This is the 2nd time an employee has tried to tell me how I should deal with my child. Last time he was getting in the way of other peoples buggies while walking beside me a couple months ago. The employee told me to put him in the buggy so others could get by. I give up, take him out, put him in. I think Target is looking better and better the more I read this. What do you think? Would you have reacted this way? Was I out of line? Seriously, I was not having it. You do not have to sign a waiver of rules to use a buggy. I am completely irritated and will not be going back. Too bad Walmart now hires its own parent police!!!

Monday, April 13, 2009

The last week has been filled with Easter activities all around. The kids got to hunt eggs at the Base youth egg hunt last Saturday. They each were in a different age group so we were out there for a little over an hour while each child got their own turn. Zero and Ziggy both found prize eggs. They won big baskets. Both were so nice to share with their other siblings. It was a beautiful day for such fun events.

Then we went shopping at the BX, base exchange to pick up a few things and just happened to be there while the Easter Bunny was taking photos. No line, No waiting, we just walked up and they were each given a Balloon, a package of candy and got their picture taken. It was fun and they were very surprised at seeing the Chocolate bunny with Vanilla fur. Oh boy, I wanted to die right there.

I got a wild hair and decided to let the kids feast in a little dye. Oh yeah, I staged an egg dyeing session for all the babies. Zero, went to the park with her friends and was so generous to invite them over to dye eggs too. That was so nice and sweet of her to share in the opportunity to think of her friends. So all 6 kids dyed 36 eggs. It was a lot of fun and they had some very unique and pretty eggs.

I made a Bunny cake for the first time this year to take to our friends house. It was a lot of fun and very easy to do. I was very excited that it turned out so good. The kids were so very proud of that cake too.

First thing in the morning Mister E.B hid all the kids baskets. They ran around frantically searching every nook and cranny trying to find their very own color. It was a lot of fun watching them. I was sad Zeus was not hear to see it because that is a tradition he started with our family years ago. Later, we were invited to a friends MIL's house for Easter dinner on Sunday. She lives a little ways out in a gorgeous house. She always has lots of family over and is so generous to welcome my family along with another friends family while our husbands are away. The amount of food in that house was truly amazing. Oh my, I ate 3 platefuls and regretted it for the rest of the evening. But oh how yummy it was. Good thing I did not eat lunch or breakfast so I had room to put all that fabulous food. While there K staged another egg hunt for all the kids in attendance. She made them stand with their eyes closed before yelling go. Oh yeah, we had a little cheater on our hands. Can you spot HER? HAHAHA, they had a great time and Zero came up with the GOLDEN egg. She was so happy to have found it. It was the Money egg!!! Woo Hoo!! I think she has x-ray vision. HAHAHA, what a great hunter she was this year.

What are you doing to change America. Are you shuttling children to and from school? Are you babysitting for a neighbor? Are you coaching little league sports? Are you supporting the spouse of a deployed troop? Are you cleaning up the local park? What about pulling weeds at the elderly center? There are so many Tiny tasks out there just waiting for you. All I ask is you do one per week in hopes that we can get back to our generous and helpful ways.

I hope this week in honor of Easter and of The Lord you tried to help out a little extra. I know I was so grateful and thankful to the family that extended their home and holiday to my family and had us over for Easter dinner. That is so wonderful. They did not have to do that but out of the generosity of their hearts and with no strings attached they offered it to us. This is just another TTT. What did you do this week?

Friday, April 10, 2009

Today I do not have time to devote to FFF. I am going to take this day off and spend it with all my babies. I will come back next week with a GREAT FFF.

This afternoon the kids and I will be finishing a 2nd grade 3-D insect project, dyeing hard boiled eggs and cleaning up around the house. I will also sit down and discuss the meaning and significance of today to the babies as well. I will update you on the status later this weekend.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a beautiful Good Friday and remember the reason of today, Jesus' sacrifice, crucifixion, so that we may have eternal life.

John 3:16,17(16) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (17) For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Many of you know that we are a military family of 10 years now. Well our shade of military is blue, that is Air Force blue.

Zeus has been active duty enlisted for 10 years. During this time he has been working feverishly to get his college degree. In 2004 he graduated with his Bachelor's degree in Information Technology. Let me tell you what a huge relief this was to me after long nights of "computer hubby." I was so greatful that he was finally done. We treated ourselves and the 3 kids to a trip to Tampa and Orlando for a nice family vacation. Well, soon after this Hubby enrolled into the Masters program. I was supportive, not delighted, but felt I needed to support his desire to get a higher education. This was a family ordeal. Zeus will never be able to say he did it alone. No way, Twinkle, held down the fort and kept meals coming, children clothed, homework completed. This was no easy task. Very long lonely nights. Lots of "computer hubby" and lots of jealousness of that computer. But we all managed to stay one big happy family. Then come November 2008 Zeus had done it, completed that degree in Informations Systems. Praise God!!! Whew, this sparked a long drawn out decision to put together a package to submit to the 09OT02 non-rated officer board. A lot of work from his education counselor and lots of footwork on his part. Package was completed in early Jan. and ready for the Feb. board.

This was going to be a long wait after finding out that the results would not be released until Mar. 30. Oh boy, what a wait it would be. Lots of concerned friends and family asking often if we had heard anything. I am greatful to them for thinking of us and supporting us but irritated that I had to tell everyone "Nope, not yet, but soon." So soon finally came last week. After waking up after a rough night with Ziggy I recieved the call from Zeus who was TDY in France. He says I made it. I was selected and I got the job I wanted. WHOOOO HOOOO!!! Amazingly Happy wife. Zeus' dream had finally arrived. I have to give glory to God for opening another door in our lives here. I thank him for the patience I had been given and I have to thank him for the great opportunity to add another place to the Haskins adventures. So, we will soon find out the date at which Zeus will go to OTS, 13 1/2 week long basic training to become the coveted officer, 2nd LT.

I am extremely proud of Zeus and his accomplishments and I think this is a great reward. God is awesome!!! In good and bad he always knows where we need to go and how we need to get there, even the exact timing . I am so thankful and greatful to him. This is a huge reward we most definitely do not deserve but will gladly accept. I pray Zeus can take this new opportunity and stand his ground and change the "political side of officers" to the " true hard working bosses and mentors that they were meant to be."

Monday, April 6, 2009

Once again Tuesday has arrived in full swing. I invite you to join with me on my personal mission to change America one helping hand at a time. This can be done in many simple tasks. By helping an older woman load her groceries, picking up trash on your street, Sharing an egg or cup of sugar with your neighbor. Many small or tiny tasks can be done to restore America's true generosity. Just do one task a week and watch how you will make someone else's day.

This week I want to highlight a few tasks done by people around me.

On my side of the street our backyards are all fenced with wooden 4 foot tall fences. We have about 4 -6 feet of grass and trees and then sidewalk. On the other side of the sidewalk is a fairly large parking lot. When the wind blows the trash from people and shopping center blow right up to the trees and fences. Over the past few weeks the trash has really started to pile up. As I walked home from the store I noticed 2 mothers and 6-8 children all with gloves on and trash bags simply picking up all the piled up trash. They did not live on the street. They just were doing a good deed, or what I call a tiny task. I can tell you I am completely sure those people who lived in those houses were probably very very appreciative. I know I was. This did not take them very long at all especially with that many of them, but it made such a huge difference in appearance. Great job guys.

This is a great things. They only did a small block but made a huge difference. You too can make a huge difference.

Try it, it can be very rewarding. I urge you to join me with this tiny mission of changing America one tiny task at a time.

Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great TTT story to share with me. Blessings

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Friday was an absolute beautiful day once the storms moved out early morning. The kids got out of school early so we had some time to spend together. My friend's little girl stayed with my while mom was at work and Dad was away.

I love to garden and I seemed to have passed it on to the kids as well. I think that is a good thing but then again instead of 2 feet in the garden they add 8 more. I have to be careful allowing them all help at the same time. But, nonetheless I surrender and allow them to enjoy the beauty of gardening with me. This time I had the perfect solution. My friend, who's child I have, has a very dull and boring and quite honestly ugly garden. I worked on it a little last fall. I thought this is my opportunity, nobody's home and I have her child.

I scooped up about 10 plants and got all my shovels and all the kids. We walked over and I let the kids do all the digging and planting. It was very, very delightful to watch them try so hard.

What do you think?

They did a great job and were very proud of their accomplishments. I was very proud of them too. I know my friend and her daughter are going to smile everyday when they walk out and see all those beautiful flowers.

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My first giveaway was a success. I had 15 entries. That is a start. So the Winner of one of my beautiful Diaper cakes is..................................... The Spears Family, Congratulations!!!